With views of the Richtersveld's natural beauty and its close proximity to the mighty Orange River, Sanddrift abounds with biological and geological uniqueness. The village is on the node between two pieces of paradise, the dry semi-desert mountain area characteristic of the Richtersveld, and the green oasis along the River which is home to many birds such as the kingfisher, weaver or heron.

Sanddrift is a fascinating, culturally diverse village where myths and legends surrounding the Groot Slang (big snake), a cave filled with weathered bones and the wondergat sinkhole, are told around a crackling fire in Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and Nama. Taste the delicious ash-bread and mutton 'potjie' made on the fire and watch dancers in traditional Nama costumes move to Namastap music plucked on guitars.

The Sanddrift area offers a diamond for everyone - challenging hilly walks in the sun-dried semi-desert for passionate hikers, unique succulent plants, lichens and diverse bird-life for nature-lovers, relaxing walks along the Orange River for philosophers, and unforgettable sets for photographers. Bring your own canoe or kayak to cruise the River which arises 2500 km further East in Lesotho and opens into the cold Atlantic to the West, or ask the local guides to arrange a river cruise for you.

ATTRACTIONS: THINGS TO DO

Cultural Activities: In the rainbow town of the Richtersveld� there is storytelling, traditional Namastap dance, and much more to learn about the local cultures.

Basotho Stars and Youth choir: Traditional Xhosa dances and songs by the Basotho Stars, and the soulful voices of the Youth Choir.

Ancient rock engravings: In Bloeddrift, towards Sendelingsdrift, black dolomite rocks still show the petroglyphs engraved by the ancestors of the San.

GETTING THERE

Sanddrift lies right on the banks of the Orange River. Known locally as the Gariep, this river forms the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. Tucked away in the Trans Hex mining area, Sanddrift is accessible from Alexander Bay, Eksteenfontein and Kuboes, partially on tar and partially on dirt roads. One of the last small towns before the Richtersveld National Park, Sanddrift is the ideal place to stopover. You can purchase the last of your provisions, enjoy various cultural experiences and relax on the banks of the peaceful Orange River, before heading into the Park.

ACCOMMODATION:
Sanddrift offers you more stars than any hotel: spread out your sleeping bag underneath the spectacular sparkling night sky or crawl into a traditional Nama reed hut, admiring the celestial wonders through the door of your matjieshuis. The traditional reed huts together with Nama music and dances form part of the planned Nama Cultural Kraal experience offered by the Sanddrift community.

DISTANCES BETWEEN TOWNS

Alexander Bay

Eksteenfontein

153km

Kuboes

120km

65km

Lekkersing

75km

45km

110km

Port Nolloth

60km

150km

120km

85km

Sanddrift

130km

80km

25km

130km

45km

Springbok

275km

145km

160km

295km

145km

230km

Steinkopf

55km

220km

90km

105km

240km

90km

175km

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RICHTERSVELD AND ORANGE RIVER RAFTING CONTACT US AT